Italy, Rome / The intercultural service of Biblioteche di Roma Summary of project intent The intercultural service of Biblioteche di Roma aims at promoting social inclusion of New citizens and in supporting active citizenship and cross- cultural dialogue. DIFFICULTIES MET Scarcity of financial resources (e.g. need to have volun- teering rather then paid teachers for the language classes Iconsistent support from the management (disconti- nuous recognition of the importance of the social impact of the service Bureaucratic barriers RESULTS 19 out of 38 libraries were involved in intercultural activities The percentage values of foreign new registered users as compared with the total new registered users, in libraries where good intercultural practices are in place, have significantly increased. (Franco Basaglia 31%, Rispoli 23,1%, Bibliocaffè letterario 18,9%, Biblioteca Europea 19,8%, Borghesiana 17,6%, Flaminia 10,3%) (Statistical data by Biblioteche di Roma 31/12/2012) Language courses: 20 Italian language classes in 9 libraries with 350 students attending the classes Increase of new registered foreign users in the 38 libraries of the Roman System, with a percentage, as compared with local new registered users of 8% in 2010, 2011 and 2012 “Attending the Italian language class in the library offered me the chance to interact with many different people and to take part in cultural activities. I started to feel I was really integrating in the Italian society.” (participant)